Tipper: Renault Master Z.E. vs Volkswagen E-Crafter

Tipper vans have long been favoured by tradespeople working in light construction or landscaping thanks to the convenience they offer when it comes to transporting and unloading building materials, construction or garden waste and heavy equipment. The popularity of the tipper van, combined with our increasing awareness of the climate crisis, has led many mainstream van manufacturers to convert their most popular tipper models into electric variants. Two great examples of this are the Renault Master Z.E Tipper and Volkswagen e-Crafter Tipper.

Whilst the Master Z.E Tipper and e-Crafter Tipper are both strong contenders when it comes to your next commercial vehicle purchase, we understand that customers might not be sure of which option is best for them and the needs of their business. Not to worry, however, as in this guide we’ve compiled the peaks and pitfalls of both vehicles to help you determine which one is most suitable for you.

Engines and Spec

The Master Z.E. Tipper combines the specs of a traditional diesel van with the economic value of an electric vehicle. Not only is it an efficient electric model – with quick charging capabilities and a generous driving range of 126 miles – but the fact that it’s kitted out with an R75 electric motor means that this is a van designed to combat soaring fuel costs. A 57kW power output allows the Master Z.E. Tipper to cruise through clean air zones with ease.

By comparison, the e-Crafter is powered by a 35kW battery and a motor that yields 134bhp – plenty of power for those looking to carry a heavy load around town. The van’s smooth,  comfortable driving experience helps you to make the most of the 107 miles of driving range on offer, which although slightly less than the Master Z.E. ‘s, is still more than enough for nipping around town and moderately long journeys. When using a rapid DC charger, the e-Crafter’s battery can achieve a 80% charge in just 45 minutes, although this time will naturally increase significantly when using a more common 7kW power pack.

When it comes to payload capacity, the two vans are almost neck and neck in this regard: the Master Z.E racks up a maximum payload of 1,714kg, and the e-Crafter follows close behind with 1,709kg. With the figures being so similar, you can rest assured that whichever option you choose, you will be receiving a mid-weight electric van which is more than capable of taking on hefty loads.

Interior

Taking a look inside the cab of each van, both have a number of features that are worth praising, as well as a few questionable alterations. The Master Z.E. Tipper is unfortunately not quite as refined as its diesel counterpart, and feels more like a slightly rushed electric conversion rather than a full redesign. The most obvious difference is the lack of engine noise in the electric van’s cab, which is typically a positive thing, but in this case only emphasises the sound of the road. That being said, the Master Z.E. is still a comfortable ride with impressive handling capabilities, and is a great choice for city driving.

On the other hand, the e-Crafter is refreshingly spacious with plenty of storage options for holding everything you need for a day on the road. For extra convenience, the central seat can be converted into a fold-down tray that’s ideal for completing paperwork, and can double up as a storage compartment when required.

As a whole the e-Crafter’s interior is designed with driver and passenger satisfaction in mind. Evidence of this can be found in features like automatic air conditioning and heated seats, which provide all year round comfort. There is also the inclusion of a modern infotainment system, which comes complete with satellite navigation, Bluetooth connectivity and DAB radio.

The Verdict

While both the Renault Master Z.E. Tipper and Volkswagen e-Crafter Tipper are both packed full of great features, the choice of which van to buy will ultimately come down to your preferences and the requirements of your business. At the very least, regardless of which you choose, you can rest assured that you are choosing an environmentally-friendly, zero-emissions tipper van that will reduce your running costs and carbon footprint.

If the choice between the two comes down to cost for you, then worry not as  both vans are available to buy on finance lease from Van Sales UK at highly competitive prices. We supply a vast range of new diesel and electric vans in a variety of body lengths and models. If you’d like to find out more about what either van has to offer, please do not hesitate to get in touch with our friendly, knowledgeable team. We are always happy to answer any questions you may have and point you in the right direction towards the perfect van for you.